Zanu PF clarifies relationship with Forever Associates of Zimbabwe

MASVINGO – Zimbabwe’s ruling party, Zanu PF, has clarified its relationship with Forever Associates of Zimbabwe (FAZ), emphasizing that FAZ is one of its 95 affiliates that independently contributed to the party’s success in the August 2023 harmonized elections.

Mike Bimha, the party’s national political commissar, addressed the issue during a press conference at a Masvingo hotel, shedding light on the dynamics between Zanu and FAZ.

Bimha explained that, like the other 94 affiliates, FAZ applied for and received affiliate status to participate in Zanu PF’s campaign drive as a distinct entity in the lead-up to the elections.

The emergence of various affiliates, according to Bimha, played a significant role in Zanu’s success, as individuals from diverse backgrounds and affiliations felt comfortable working as affiliates rather than aligning themselves with the Youth League or Women’s League.

“I think if you recall, one of the developments, recent developments in Zanu PF campaigning was the emergence of affiliates (before this year’s elections), and this contributed immensely to our success because there were people, in their various persuasions, who felt comfortable to work as affiliates rather than coming in under the (Zanu PF) Youth League or Women’s League.”

“That is why you found Teachers 4ED, Nurses 4ED, you found a whole range, even Rastas 4ED, who felt that they had something to offer coming to support the developments, people who felt comfortable working with Zanu PF,” explained Bimha.

He highlighted Young Women for ED as a “champion affiliate” that ignited the trend of Zanu PF affiliates.

Bimha stated, “The real champion was the Young Women 4ED because when it started and emerged, the issue of Zanu affiliates spread like veld fire.”

The clarification aims to address questions surrounding the relationship between Zanu PF and FAZ, ensuring transparency regarding the role of affiliates in the party’s electoral strategy.